Does Your Agency Get VA referrals?

[rmw44]

department of veterans' affairs press release

from larry scott at va watchdog dot org -- 01-08-2008 #1

i read this press release with interest and a little disgust.

i sent an e-mail to the author and thought i would share it here.

was i out of line?

maybe the va is doing a great job of collaborating with the

community hospices. i would love to hear from other agencies

about their va relationships.

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dear sir:

regarding the january 8th article

"consultations for veterans nationwide"

"to date, va has partnered with community

hospice programs in 35 states to promote

hospice services that are not provided

directly by va staff"

i considerate this statement to be conclusive

of evidence of the lack of understanding and

awareness of all the benefits that are available

from hospice in the community.

partnering with 35 states means 15

states are without this collaboration.

i and other hospices would love to work

with the va to make sure every veteran

has an advanced directive, that benefits of

hospice are explained as specialty care

for the patient and their family/caregiver,

and that bereavement care is utilized to

develop support tools and coping mechanisms

to those left behind.

30% of the country not exercising the right

to a great collaboration between local

hospices and the va is disheartening.

robin watts

[coralynwoodson]

I too would like to see more VA referrals. I have had three VA patients. But, getting VA to give orders and sign them in a timely manner has been a challenge. I think tha VAMC as well as the private sector need more education about hospice and the work we do. Perhaps they are this way due to the lack of knowledge.